As many as 14,000 new jobs could be created in Scotland’s food and beverages sector over the next five years, a recent report compiled by the Bank of Scotland says. Scottish salmon and whiskey already contribute a sizeable portion to the country’s economy; plans are now afoot to bring more sectors from within the food and drink industry to the forefront. According to the report by the Bank of Scotland, companies are optimistic about achieving an increment of about 19% in their average turnover in the next few years. These projections are detailed in the report ‘Fresh Opportunity and Growth’.

An increased focus on exports is chiefly driving the positive sentiment currently seen in the Scottish food and beverages industry. According to the report, two-thirds of F&B producers said that they have plans of creating new job opportunities over the next four to five years. When asked whether hiring new staff could be considered as a way of achieving growth, about 46% of respondents answered in the affirmative.

The focus remains firmly on increasing exports, conducting R&D for product innovation, and collaborating with international players. About 360,000 jobs currently exist in the Scottish food and beverages industry, says Scotland Food and Drink, the country’s leading F&B industry body.

The positive sentiment can also be credited to recent industry initiatives seen in Scotland – the Year of Food and Drink being one of them. With greater awareness about the range and quality of Scottish produce being achieved, Scottish food and beverage producers are now more confident about taking on new employees.

Bank of Scotland’s head of food and drink, Graham Blair, said that innovative marketing initiatives in the country will go a long way in improving sales and even exports, ultimately adding to the profitability of the country’s F&B sector.